According to the company that (you would never guess) is based in Vienna, Austria, "the sophisticated folding design of the Hi-X15, rare in this price range, makes them easy to store and carry. They are extremely robust, thanks to the durable all-metal hinge and bow. The closed construction and good insulation of the Hi-X15 headphones open up many areas of application: in studio recording sessions, as a monitor on stage, and as a reliable companion in the rehearsal room. They’re also well suited when enjoying music at home, songwriting, mastering your new keyboard, or going on tour."
As for the new Hi-X25BT wireless headphones, these are cleverly promoted as a digital/analog hybrid. "The Hi-X25BT gives you ultimate listening flexibility. You no longer need to change headphones for different tasks or locations. If you’re wearing them in the studio, working on a record or a mix, you'll connect with analog or digital audio. When you’re ready to drive home, simply unplug and keep listening to your music via Bluetooth. If you happen to get a call while wearing the headphones, answer it with the built-in microphone. Once you’re at home, you can even listen to music on Bluetooth while recharging the battery via USB-C. However you connect, you’re going to love the acclaimed crystal clear and precise High Excursion sound."
These new Austrian Audio headphones don't look like cheaper versions of the existing models in the Hi-X series. In fact, the design looks more refined, modern and appealing than the excessively discreet and unoriginal lines of the previous 3 models. The extra-padded headband is definitely a much better design, even if still using too many different parts (those middle metallic rings are certain to pull hair, unnecessarily). And the "Professional" label might in fact award extra credibility and appeal to any consumer that considers buying these - because they are "for musicians and pros".
Front and center on Austrian Audio's strategy for the segment is the development of the Hi-X (High Excursion) driver technology, which benefits from decades of experience and state-of-the-art engineering from the former AKG. Both the Hi-X15 and the Hi-X25BT headphones use these high-quality, Made in Austria drivers, which have an extremely fast response with improved dynamic characteristics by reducing moving mass. An extended frequency range and high sensitivity (113 dBspl/V) are also specified.
"The 44 mm Hi-X driver, with its vivid transients, reveals every sonic shade. Distortion-free reproduction down to the lowest frequencies allows for a linear and impressive natural reproduction of the low bass that’s accurate, not exaggerated. Thanks to their 25-ohm impedance, Hi-X headphones always deliver the greatest possible performance, whether you’re listening through a high-end headphone amplifier, reference AD-converter, analog mixer, keyboard, mobile player, or laptop. You’ll always have the clear and precise sound you need to make important decisions about your work," the company describes.
On both the Hi-X15 and the Hi-X25BT, the larger, replaceable soft memory foam earpads stand out, and we certainly like the detachable 1.4m cable on both models. The Hi-X15 is described as the workhorse of the range and it represents good value for standard wired headphones. But the highlight seems to be the Hi-X25BT model with its wired/wireless hybrid connectivity. Apart from working with standard analog-jack cables, this is a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless design that can also be connected with an USB-C cable for digital audio sources. The 1.2m USB-C cable can even be used to charge the battery, while listening to music via Bluetooth. The battery will last for 30 hours of wireless use.
The Hi-X15 and the Hi-X25BT headphones are designed and engineered in Austria, and will be available across Europe and all authorized Austrian Audio retailers from August 2021. Availability in the US is scheduled for September (Hi-X15) and December (Hi-X25BT).
www.austrian.audio
